Broncos Shake Up Offensive Line, Rule Out Five for Christmas Clash vs. Chiefs
The Denver Broncos are heading into their Christmas night showdown at Arrowhead with a reshuffled lineup - and a new face anchoring the offensive line.
Center Luke Wattenberg, who had quietly been one of the team’s ironmen this season by playing every offensive snap, has been ruled out with a shoulder injury. His absence snaps that streak and forces the Broncos to pivot just days before taking on the Kansas City Chiefs in prime time. Wattenberg didn’t participate in any of the team’s estimated practices this week, as Denver held only walk-throughs following Sunday’s loss to the Jaguars.
Next man up? Rookie Alex Forsyth is expected to step in for his first start of the season.
It’s a big moment for the young lineman - and a tough assignment against a Chiefs front that’s been relentless all year. Forsyth will have to bring poise and precision to the pivot if Denver wants to keep the offense on schedule in one of the NFL’s most hostile environments.
But Wattenberg isn’t the only Bronco sidelined for the holiday matchup. The team also ruled out four other players: tight end Nate Adkins, wide receiver Pat Bryant, and linebackers Dre Greenlaw and Karene Reid.
Reid remains on injured reserve, though he’s now in the ramp-up window where the team has less than two weeks to decide whether to activate him. He was listed as a full participant in practice, but won’t be available Thursday.
Greenlaw’s absence is another tough blow for the defense. He tweaked his hamstring late in Sunday’s game and didn’t participate in the walk-throughs this week.
With him out, Justin Strnad is expected to step into a starting role. Strnad returned to practice this week after missing time with a foot injury, and the Broncos will be counting on him to help stabilize the second level.
As for the offense, Bryant is still in the concussion protocol after taking a hit in the closing moments of Sunday’s game. Adkins, meanwhile, suffered a knee injury in the first quarter and was also sidelined during Tuesday’s session.
And the injury news didn’t stop there.
Veteran tight end Adam Trautman popped up on the report Wednesday with an illness. He didn’t practice, but the team hasn’t listed him as questionable or out - a good sign for his availability.
With Adkins already ruled out, Trautman’s presence becomes even more important. The sixth-year tight end has been a steady, versatile piece in the Broncos’ offense, and they’ll need every bit of his experience and blocking ability against a Chiefs defense that thrives on disruption.
Bottom line: Denver’s walking into Arrowhead with a banged-up roster and a handful of backups stepping into bigger roles. It’s a tall task, especially against a Kansas City team that’s locked in on another playoff push. But it’s also a chance for some of these younger players - like Forsyth and Strnad - to prove they belong on the big stage.
On a cold December night in one of football’s most iconic venues, the Broncos will need resilience, execution, and maybe a little holiday magic.